6942: Choosing a husband

What are the most important
factors for a woman in choosing a husband? If she rejects a righteous man for some worldly
reasons, will she be punished by Allaah?

Praise be to Allaah.

The most important factors for a woman in
choosing a husband are his attitude/behaviour and his commitment to religion. Wealth and
lineage are secondary matters. The most important thing is that the potential husband
should be religious and have a good attitude, because if a man has religious commitment
and a good attitude, a woman has nothing to lose: if he keeps her (remains married to
her), he will keep her on a reasonable basis, and if he divorces her, he will set her free
on a reasonable basis. Moreover, a man who is religious and has a good attitude will be a
blessing to her and her children, for they will learn good manners and religion from him.
But if the prospective husband is not like that (is not religious), she should keep away
from him, especially those who take the matter of prayer lightly or who are known to drink
alcohol. We seek refuge with Allaah.

As for those who do not pray at all, they are kuffaar and it
is not permissible for them to marry believing women. It is important for the woman to
focus on the matter of attitude and religious commitment. With regard to the matter of
lineage, this is a bonus. The Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“If there comes to you (to propose marriage to your daughter etc.) a man with whose
religious commitment and attitude you are pleased, then marry (your daughter) to
him.”

But if you can manage to ensure compatibility (in terms of
lineage and socio-economic status, etc.) as well, then this is better.

From the Fataawa of Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, from the book Fataawa al-Mar’ah